Who We Are
The 1819 Innovation Hub is the University of Cincinnati’s home for innovation, entrepreneurship, technology commercialization and hands-on creation. Now operating out of two buildings within the Cincinnati Innovation District, 1819 and Digital Futures bring industry and the university together to drive impact through new ideas and bring more opportunities for companies, startups and researchers.
Together, our work is organized around three pillars: Corporate Innovation, Commercialization, and Making and Gaming. These areas represent the different approaches people can take, from developing new partnerships to advancing research and building new products.
Companies exploring new opportunities, researchers working toward commercialization and students interested in creating something all find support. The Hub offers the expertise, facilities, technology and connections to transform discoveries into tangible results.
With advanced fabrication capabilities, startup support and a dedicated technology transfer team, we are invested in innovation.
Corporate innovation
1819 helps companies address challenges by connecting them with expertise across the University of Cincinnati. Through collaboration with faculty, researchers, staff and students, organizations can explore new approaches and work toward solutions that support their goals.
Commercialization
Moving research into the marketplace requires dedicated support during the development process. The Technology Transfer and Commercialization team works with UC inventors and students to protect new ideas, explore licensing opportunities and open doors for industry collaboration.
Making and gaming
Innovation often begins with the ability to build and experiment. The Ground Floor Makerspace provides room for students, faculty and community members to develop prototypes using professional fabrication equipment and hands-on resources while the Esports Innovation Lab gives students a chance to explore gaming through competition and community.
Our purpose
The 1819 Innovation Hub ties the University of Cincinnati to the region’s broader innovation community. Through its focus on corporate innovation, commercialization, and making and gaming, 1819 accelerates breakthroughs by supporting those who create what’s next.
The Hub gives companies four floors of collaboration space, sets researchers on the journey toward commercialization and allows students to experience hands-on creation. This work strengthens Cincinnati’s innovation ecosystem while supporting economic growth across Southwest Ohio.
Whether you’re interested in forming a partnership, exploring a technology opportunity, launching a startup or developing a prototype, 1819 is the right place to begin.
Feeling inspired?
Ready to build at 1819, launch a new business venture or connect more deeply into Cincinnati’s innovation ecosystem? Here’s where to start.